International Response To Climate Change

Question 1

Outline the Earth Summit

Answer 1

• 1992, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Meeting of most of world’s countries
• Environementla agreement called ‘Agenda 21’ passed

Question 2

Outline the Kyoto Protocol

Answer 2

• 1997, Kyoto, Japan
• International agreement signed by more than 100 countries
• Countries pledge to cut down carbon emissions to agreed amount by 2010
• Mitigation (Set carbon reduction targets, switch to renewable power, capture carbon emissions)
• Adaptation (Develop drought resistant crops, manage coastal flooding, invest in fresh water provisions)

Question 3

Outline Copenhagen Conference

Answer 3

• 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
• No legally binding agreement to reduce carbon emissions
• Limit global temp rise to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial
• Developed countries deliver $30bn aid to developing nations by 2012
• Emerging nations monitor own efforts to reduce carbon emissions, report to UN every 2 years

Question 4

Outline the Paris Agreement

Answer 4

• 2015, Paris, France
• Keep global temps below 2°C above preindustrial
• Limit greenhouse gases emitted by humans to same level trees, soil and oceans can absorb
• Rich countries help poorer nations providing ‘climate finance’ to adapt to climate change